This quest grants you access to the Field of Strife (the southern half of the open area in the zone) and the mines (entered through the lava tunnel in the basement of the Plane of Tactics).

Summary

Hail and say "tithe" to Etsinthinikonarifet in the Plane of War.

Say "Za`ye`na`ekk" to Zayenaekk in the Plane of Justice. (without spaces)

Say "Ets`in`thini`konar`ifet" to Zayenaekk in the Plane of Justice. (without spaces)

Ensure your Ogre language skill level is at least 90.

In Ogre, say "Speak to Zayenaekk" to Murdunk in the Korascian Warrens.

Pick up the sword under Tantisala Jaggedtooth's spawn point in the Plane of Earth.

Deliver the sword to Murdunk.

Use the key to open up the chamber in the far southwestern part of Toskirakk's upper level.

Say "I seek the blessing of your sister" to Zayenaekk in Toskirakk.

Craft (or buy/trade for) a Stonewood Compound Bow.

Loot a Zekarian Diamond from mobs in the first field in the Plane of War (rare drop from trash; 100% from mini nameds).

In a Fletching Kit, combine the Stonewood Compound Bow with the Zekarian Diamond.

Turn in the result to Etsinthinikonarifet.

The Sphinx Tithe

Speak with the sphinx named Etsinthinikonarifet (click for map image), located in the Plane of War at the large gateway due south of the zone-in.

You say, 'Hail, Etsinthinikonarifet.'

Etsinthinikonarifet glares down at you askance, more preoccupied with her reflection on your presence than on acknowledging your greeting. She speaks, 'This one has crossed the Zekarian to greet Etsinthinikonarifet, sister of Zayenaekk, former servant of Murdunk, sentinel to the Field of Strife without [tithe]? Such misfortune that our gates now usher in such uncouth vagabonds.'

You say, 'What tithe?'

Etsinthinikonarifet says, 'This one speaks to Etsinthinikonarifet with an indubitable sedulousness antipodal to the irreverence she has suffered since the Tribunal's judgement. There is hope for this one to step onto the Field of Strife for a test of brawn, but first they must display cunning. This one should not return without proper tithe.'

You have received a character flag!

Etsinthinikonarifet glares down at you askance, less amused by your return than your initial encounter. She speaks, 'This one speaks to Etsinthinikonarifet, sister of Zayenaekk, former servant of Murdunk, sentinel to the Field of Strife still without tithe?'

A Visit to Prison

Head to the Plane of Justice and see the sphinx Zayenaekk (click for map image). Say to her, "Za`ye`na`ekk" and then "Ets`in`thini`konar`ifet".

You say, 'Hail, Zayenaekk'

If you don't have the "tithe" flag in the previous step, you see this:

Zayenaekk flaps her wings and raises her chain high and proud as she gazes down upon _____, 'You stand before Zayenaekk -- servant of Murdunk and prisoner now of the Tribunal. There is nothing more to this being than the formerly stated. Move along, mortal. This is not a realm for the free to wander.'

With the previous flag, you see:

Zayenaekk flaps her wings and raises her chin high and proud as she gazes down upon _____, 'You stand before Zayenaekk -- servant of Murdunk and prisoner now of the Tribunal. Years it has been since these hall heralded in the free, yet none have approached this being bearing more than idle curiosity. Still though, the slothful ineptitude of your tongue betrays your purpose. Speak my name in proper tetrameter as you would to Sivrn.'

You say, 'Za`ye`na`ekk'

Zayenaekk nods approvingly, her sapphire eyes projecting the faintest modicum of respect, 'You address Zayenaekk with purpose and for that you have earned the right to ask a single question. What is it that you wish to know?'

She's mad that you are dumb. Speak her sister's name properly. With ` as spaces or actual spaces.

You say, 'What tithe does Ets`in`thini`konar`ifet seek?"
or
You say, 'What tithe does Ets in thini konar ifet seek?"

Zayenaekk says, 'You seek the blessing of Zayenaekk's sister. You have asked for something this being's imprisonment has robbed from it's memory.' The sphinx smiles, 'The irony may be lost on your kind, but you are owed an answer. It seems time has little hold on you. Seek audience with our master and address him in his native tongue as it seems to be more your speed.'

You have received a character flag!

Traveling Through Time

Head to the Korascian Warrens and speak with Murdunk (click for map image). You must speak with the language "Ogre" (right-click chat window, select "Language", select "Ogre"). In order to see this language as an option, you must have a skill of at least "1" in the language.

NOTE: In order to get Murdunk to acknowledge you, you may need a skill of 100 in "Ogre". It's possible he could respond with a lower skill level, but a skill of 72 is known to fail.

Say to him "Speak to Zayenaekk" (in Ogre).

Without Ogre language on or of 90 skill, you see:

Murdunk ignores you.

You say, 'Hail Murdunk'

Murdunk says, in Ogre, 'My time is valuable, _____, state your purpose or begone.'

You say, 'I need to speak to Zayenaekk'

Murdunk says, in Ogre, 'Such brazen insolence from a rankless, _____?' The warlord roars with laughter, 'Very well, Dark Elf. I will grant you audiance with my most trusted and sacred advisor if you return to me with my trusty bastard sword. Our damned enemies must have fed it to their pet after I dropped it in battle. I believe it's name is.... Tanti-something....'

You have received a character flag!

Back to the Future

Head to the Plane of Earth to the spawn point of Tantisala Jaggedtooth (click for map image) where you'll see a giant sword in the ground.

NOTE: You'll probably want to have a top inventory slot available before clicking the sword as it's too big to fit most bags. Click it to obtain "Murdunk's Massive Bastard Sword".

If you try to pick it up without necessary flags, you see:

As you reach down to lift the heavy iron sword your hand mysteriously passes right through the blade as if it were merely air.

With the proper flags, you see:

You reach down and pick up the heavy iron sword.

Far More Tarnished Than Thought

Head back to the Korascian Warrens and turn this item in to Murdunk:

Murdunk grabs the blade tightly and holds it up in front of his face. He swings it violently to the side to flick away small bits of alligator excrement. He returns the blade to his sight and surveys it carefully, 'Strange, far more tarnished than I would have expected, almost as if it has been rusting for years.' He shrugs, 'Well, I did not expect you to return alive from this fool's errand but a deal's a deal. My advisor Zayenaekk remains protected in the southwestern most tunnel off of our capital. This key will provide you entrance to her chamber.'

You have received a character flag!

You receive a "Sphinx Chamber Key".

A Hidden Sphinx

Head to Toskirakk and into the far southwestern part of the city's upper level (click for map image). At the end of the southwest tunnel is a locked gate. Use the key on this gate to open it:

You place the key into an inconspicuously placed keyhole and enter the chamber.

Inside, to your left, is Zayenaekk (note that hailing her without necessary pre-flags results in a death touch - nice try):

You say, 'Hail, Zayenaekk'

Zayenaekk tilts her head and looks at you somewhat bewildered, 'A stranger approaches Zayenaekk and addresses her with due diligence. Of all this one has foreseen, this comes as a surprise. What is it that you seek, _____?'

You say, 'I seek the blessing of your sister'

Zayenaekk says, 'Then it is the marriage of cunning and brawn you must perform. A weapon of our enemy empowered with the essence of our realm. She will find this pleasing. Commit these notes to memory and present her with what you create.'

With these words you find yourself banished from the Sphinx's chambers.

You have received a character flag!

You receive a book called "Zekarian Bow Schematic". Open it and click "Scribe". The book reads:

You must present Etsinthinikonarifet with the marriage of cunning and brawn. A weapon of our enemy empowered with the essence of our realm.

No weapon better exemplifies the raw power that our foes possess than a compound bow shaped with the stonewood branches of their arboreans and tied with the steely fibers of the vegerogs.

Once you have crafted or obtained one of these mighty bows, use your fletching skills to place in its sight a Zekarian Diamond. Present this offering to her and her blessings will be yours.

Tribute Fodder, No Longer

Make (or otherwise obtain) a Stonewood Compound Bow (see this link for recipe and sub-combine details). Note: You must have a Fletching skill of at least 220 to attempt the combine. (The resulting bow is tradeable.)

In the Plane of War, kill mobs until you loot a "Zekarian Diamond". This drops very rarely from trash mobs in the zone-in field (the field's proper name is "The Zekarian"), but drops 100% from the mini-nameds in the area ("a diaku hopeful" can spawn "Diaku Redeemer"; Sheartooth goblins can spawn "Sheartooth Captain"; orcs can spawn "Garrak Tyrant", each of which drops the item every kill).

These mobs hit for a max ~16,000; single-target rampage; cast an AE aggro-increaser; and cast an AE nuke. They summon when below 97% health; are rootable and mezzable; and are not stunnable.

Etsinthinikonarifet looks down upon you with renewed interest. She speaks, 'This one returns to Etsinthinikonarifet bearing proper tithes of war?'

Hand in the Zekarian Stonewood Compound Bow:

Etsinthinikonarifet shouts 'Another has proved themselves worthy to enter the Field of Strife.'

Etsinthinikonarifet smiles and says, 'Place your hand upon the door and take your place among the Warlord's chosen.'

You have received a character flag!

Rewards:
- Experience (12 AAs at Level 100)
- 850 platinum
- Access to the Field of Strife and the Mines within the Plane of War

NOTE: You may need to zone one time before the zone recognizes your flag. If you get a warning about not meeting the requirements for the area, leave immediately or you may be death touched. This should fix itself upon zoning once.

NOTE: The Mines can be accessed via the statue NPCs along the far south boundaries of the Field of Strife or through the basement of the Plane of Tactics (click for map image of the Plane of Tactics; or see this map image for the Plane of War click locations). In the basement, swim into the lava tunnel until you zone over to the Plane of War. Upon zoning, you'll find yourself in the mines.

What's Next

Next, you'll be looking to enter the Field of Strife and to gain access to the two castles.

Please note that all planar bows are made with the planar fletching kit so if yours is not combining it is because you need to go to POK and buy one. I need staffs for 4 toons still so if you are in Luclin, send a tell to Konch, Loati, Zappedeaux - whichever of those are on- and i will do your combines- including the tinkering and tailoring -- for a staff. Thanks.

____________________________

Success comes when preparation meets opportunity -- and EQ is no exception.

Stonewood Bow Staff is the bottleneck quest item here. Only drops from treants in PoEarth, which aren't that common to begin with, and because of the demand for this item they're being perma-camped at least on my server either by those doing the access quest or by pharmers selling these for $300k+ in the Bazaar. Not the wisest tactic to lock advancement access to a new zone behind a hard-to-acquire TRADEABLE drop. Plus the treant spawn rate can't be increased since PoEarth mobs are area-specific and no amount of clearing will increase the treant population. At least they should have upped the staff's drop rate or make it "no drop" or at least lore---or make every mob potentially respawn as a treant.

Certainly a real boon to any bow-makers who had the staff stored in their TS inventory prior to this zone going live!

Total understatment and yes PoE is a peracamped mess and greedy people are capitalizing big time. Its very frustrating and really puts a damper on wanting to play eq. I hope the powers that be can fix this soon. Do not bother doing the quest yet and save yourself some stress. bow staff are selling for .5 to one million plat each in bazzar

They were the hardest to farm and paid less tribute than the PoW bows; consequently, only collectors had them. Pretty much everyone has to start from scratch. Some tinkerers had or have a backlog of bow cams for them, but those are only useful if you have a staff.

Dialogue with links to things hinted at that lead to later discoveries as well as additional info.

This ENTIRE quest, as well as all quests in this zone, just like original Planes of Power zones, are based upon invisible character flags and NONE of this quest can be skipped at ALL.

You say, 'Hail, Etsinthinikonarifet.'

Etsinthinikonarifet glares down at you askance, more preoccupied with her reflection on your presence than on acknowledging your greeting. She speaks, 'This one has crossed the Zekarian to greet Etsinthinikonarifet, sister of Zayenaekk, former servant of Murdunk, sentinel to the Field of Strife without [tithe]? Such misfortune that our gates now usher in such uncouth vagabonds.'

You say, 'what tithe?'

Etsinthinikonarifet says, 'This one speaks to Etsinthinikonarifet with an indubitable sedulousness antipodal to the irreverence she has suffered since the Tribunal's judgement. There is hope for this one to step onto the Field of Strife for a test of brawn, but first they must display cunning. This one should not return without proper tithe.'

You have received a character flag!

Head to the Plane of Justice. Zayenaekk is a sphinx located in this zone. While previously an attackable and killable mob, she is no longer able to be aggroed or killed after the patch that added Plane of War. She is still the same level, and is still on the Creatures of Justice faction and will con to you whatever faction level you have with that faction (should be ready to attack). Regardless of this faction she will NOT attack and the faction does not affect this quest or it's dialogue/progression. Iyalinaoukh, in the same room, is still aggroable. Though this should be a one-hit kill at level 95-100

You say, 'Hail, Zayenaekk.'

Old dialogue, as seen without flag from first hail in Plane of War:

Zayenaekk flaps her wings and raises her chain high and proud as she gazes down upon Rainbowdash, 'You stand before Zayenaekk -- servant of Murdunk and prisoner now of the Tribunal. There is nothing more to this being than the formerly stated. Move along, mortal. This is not a realm for the free to wander.'

New dialogue, as seen with flag from Plane of War:

Zayenaekk flaps her wings and raises her chin high and proud as she gazes down upon Rainbowdash, 'You stand before Zayenaekk -- servant of Murdunk and prisoner now of the Tribunal. Years it has been since these hall heralded in the free, yet none have approached this being bearing more than idle curiosity. Still though, the slothful ineptitude of your tongue betrays your purpose. Speak my name in proper tetrameter as you would to Sivrn.'

As I linked above, this is a throwback to the Buried Sea quest line for the Efreeti Death Visage. Specifically quest #2. Follow the method in that task to speak her name:

You say, 'za`ye`na`ekk'

Zayenaekk nods approvingly, her sapphire eyes projecting the faintest modicum of respect, 'You address Zayenaekk with purpose and for that you have earned the right to ask a single question. What is it that you wish to know?'

Zayenaekk says, 'You seek the blessing of Zayenaekk's sister. You have asked for something this being's imprisonment has robbed from it's memory.' The sphinx smiles, 'The irony may be lost on your kind, but you are owed an answer. It seems time has little hold on you. Seek audiance with our master and address him in his native tongue as it seems to be more your speed.'

You have received a character flag!

The part about 'time having no hold on you' is a reference to the entire Seeds of Destruction expansion, in which you travel through time to various points...including during Rallos' invasion of Earth where Murdunk was still alive. Prior to Zayenaekk's imprisonment by the Tribunal. Head through The Void to Toskirakk and then Korascian Warrens where you will find Murdunk. Murdunk, like Zayenaekk, was previously attackable and killable. He is now no longer so as of the Plane of War patch and cannot be aggroed. You will need at least 90 skill in the Ogre language to speak to him: There is a mob spawn right next to him, that may sometimes spawn as the named Slaukk the Messcook. You will have to kill this but it should be no trouble at this level.

Without Ogre language on or of 90 skill:

You say, 'Hail Murdunk'

Murdunk ignores you.

Make sure you change the Main chat window (the one that is opened when making characters. If you don't remember which window this is, change any window and manually type out "/say Hail, Murdunk". Automatic chats like social macros or hails from the H button use language filters set on the primary chat window. Using any other chat window for the language requires you to manually type the hail not hit H.

You say, 'Hail Murdunk'

Murdunk says, in Ogre, 'My time is valuable, Dark Elf, state your purpose or begone.'

You need to speak to pre-imprisonment Zayenaekk. Keep language on:

You say, 'I need to speak to Zayenaekk'

Murdunk says, in Ogre, 'Such brazen insolence from a rankless, Dark Elf?' The warlord roars with laughter, 'Very well, Dark Elf. I will grant you audiance with my most trusted and sacred advisor if you return to me with my trusty ******* sword. Our damned enemies must have fed it to their pet after I dropped it in battle. I believe it's name is.... Tanti-something....'

You have received a character flag!

The enemy of the Zek army, at this time (and presumably ever after, due to their defeat) is the inhabitants of the Plane of Earth...Vegarlson, the Earthen Badlands. The 'pet' referenced is Tantisala Jaggedtooth. The giant alligator raid mob that drops the key to gain access to the tunnels leading to Plane of Earth B where the Rathe council resides during Planes of Power. Luckily you do not need to kill him to get the sword. Behind where he spawns (whether he is up or not) is a giant rusty sword laying on it's side on the ground by the locked door which he drops the key for. Clicking this sword will put the needed sword on your cursor. The sword is an object, not a real ground spawn, and thus will not disappear when picked up and multiple people can do this at once. You can NOT pick up the sword if you have not spoken to Murdunk:

Attempting to pick up the sword without flags:

As you reach down to lift the heavy iron sword your hand mysteriously passes right through the blade as if it were merely air.

Picking up the sword with flags:

You reach down and pick up the heavy iron sword.

This places the sword on your cursor. The sword is too big to fit in even the biggest bags in-game and must be put in an open inventory slot or held on your cursor. Take it back to Murdunk in Korascian Warrens:

Murdunk grabs the blade tightly and holds it up in front of his face. He swings it violently to the side to flick away small bits of alligator excrement. He returns the blade to his sight and surveys it carefully, 'Strange, far more tarnished than I would have expected, almost as if it has been rusting for years.' He shrugs, 'Well, I did not expect you to return alive from this fool's errand but a deal's a deal. My advisor Zayenaekk remains protected in the southwestern most tunnel off of our capital. This key will provide you entrance to her chamber.'

You have received a character flag!

You get a key on your cursor. Take this to the locked door in the southwestern most chamber in Toskirakk as he states. It is on the second floor. Click the door with the key in your inventory.

You place the key into an inconspicuously placed keyhole and enter the chamber.

Hail Zayenaekk to your left after entering. While you can be cothed behind the door without flags, attempting to hail her without them results in a deathtouch:

You say, 'Hail, Zayenaekk'

Zayenaekk tilts her head and looks at you somewhat bewildered, 'A stranger approaches Zayenaekk and addresses her with due diligence. Of all this one has forseen, this comes as a surprise. What is it that you seek, Dark Elf?'

As stated by Zayenaekk back in Plane of Justice, she says exactly what you seek:

You say, 'I seek the blessing of your sister.'

Zayenaekk says, 'Then it is the marriage of cunning and brawn you must perform. A weapon of our enemy empowered with the essence of our realm. She will find this pleasing. Commit these notes to memory and present her with what you create.'

With these words you find yourself banished from the Sphinx's chambers.

You have received a character flag!

You are ported just outside the door of the room (just outside aggro range of the two guards) and the key in your inventory disappears. you have a book on your cursor. It reads:

You must present Etsinthinikonarifet with the marriage of cunning and brawn. A weapon of our enemy empowered with the essence of our realm.

No better weapon exemplifies the raw power that our foes possess than a compound bow shaped with the stonewood branches of their arboreans and tied with the steely fibers of their vegerogs.

Once you have crafted or obtained one of these mighty bows, use your fletching skills to place in it's sight a Zekarian Diamond. Present this offering to her and her blessing will be yours.

The book has a "Scribe" button. you must scribe the book or you will NOT be able to do the combine with the bow and the diamond. Craft or buy a Stonewood Compound Bow and combine it with a Zekarian Diamond. The Diamond drops off any mob in the first area, knowns as the Zekarian or the Field of Blood, of Plane of War. Mini-named (Such as the Diaku Redeemer or any of the other mini named. Every race has one) will drop it 100%. Trash will drop it VERY rarely. Do not count on trash drops. Farm to spawn a named and if a trash mob drops it in the meantime all the better. The combine is 15 trivial and appears to be no fail. Hand the bow into Etsinthinikonarifet for the flag.

You receive a /key flag:

Plane of War -- You may enter the Field of Strife.

Some info about the area you are accessing. Attempting to enter this, or ANY area that requires flags, without the flag (be it from a coth, or illusion door bugging) will result in a timer that counts down to a deathtouch. The deathtouch can't be negated with invulnerability and, in fact, doesn't actually deal damage. It just outright kills you. Attempting to loot items off corpses in areas you are not flagged for will result in this message:

You are unable to loot this item until you gain access to where it's possessor resides. You are not allowed to loot the item: ______________ You may not loot that item from this corpse.

You are then booted off the corpse, the item remains on the corpse, and you are promptly deathtouched.